What can I do to set myself apart from other applicants as a student looking for a co-op?
For the sake of this question, assume that I have just walked into a computer science program this semester and have no previous experience in programming, whatsoever. I have about a year before I'll be looking for a job and in that time I will learn C++ or Java. I want a co-op experience that will make me a better programmer and lead to great job opportunities upon graduation.
Start programming. Today. Honestly, as an employer hiring for a programming co-op position, I would be wanting someone with at least some level of experience. A fancy resume on good paper, the worlds greatest cover letter, and the charming post-interview phone call all mean nothing compared to being a suitable candidate for a position.
That said, have someone proofread you resume and do write a personalized cover letter for each job you apply for. It lets employers know that you care enough about getting the job to put the least possible amount of effort into doing so.
I was just in a your shoes a few years ago and hear is what seems to make the biggest difference for me.
1) Get some sort of experience. Granted this sometime leads to the old "I can't get experience without experience" problem, but there are plenty of places to get some hands on knowledge. Sign up for some sort of school group or open source project if nothing else. Having just one technical job I could list on my resume opened up a ton of doors when job hunting.
2) This may come from 1),but consume as much knowledge about anything and everything that you can. Try to stay balanced better theory and technical skills, although most places will look for technical skills for an entry level position.
3) Do things that show you are motivated or hard working. Granted this can be accomlished by things in the first two points. Many places are more willing to overlook a lack of current abilities if they know that you have the determination to work hard to acquire new skills. This fact alone pretty much got me my most recent job. Listen to podcasts, attend user group meetings (also a great way to network and find smart people), sign up for schools project, etc.
Start programming. Today. Yep, I know it's a repeat of what @ironkeith said. But that's the best, nay, the only way to become better candidate.
If you start your own small project, make sure it's finished. Alternatively, get engaged with a small open source project and start with small contributions like bug fixes. Whatever you do, make sure it's out there somewhere and is listed in your resume.
Also, make sure you don't exagerate on your resume. You'll have enough time to do this later. Put in plain terms whatever you know and don't put anything you have not done before. You'll be caunght on the interview.
read, program, learn things, have good grades, wear pants to interviews, yadda yadda yadda - these fall into the 'duh' category...
what will probably be more important for your first job/internship is to meet people. Next year, you may be the most qualified candidate on the planet for a dream intership, but the guy that knows somebody who works there will probably get a personal recommendation that will put him ahead of you in the queue.
it is about what you know, but it is also about who you know - because who you know will get you in the door, noticed, and vouched for. The more people you know, the more likely it becomes that one of them will be able to help you land that intership next year.
Either of the first two would pretty much guarantee a hiring recommendation from me, as would offering to work for free.
1) Network. Is there a local Java or C++ user group that you could join and get to know other developers? I know there are various .Net groups that may also be an option.
2) Code. As has been said elsewhere, start writing programs and have a little portfolio of code, e.g. what is your solution to the "FizzBuzz" problem? How well do you write unit tests? How well thought out is your code the first time you write it?
3) Know the company you are applying to. When you apply to company ABC, consider having a cover letter that states specifically how you are what they want, e.g. your a self-starter, motivated, quick learner, etc.
Those would be my suggestions.